Big Island baker’s dozen of freebies

I often write about new Hawai’i tours and activities that cost $100 or more per person, the price generally reflecting the high cost of personnel, materials, fuel, permits and more in the isolated islands. But it’s good to be reminded from time to time of all the must-sees that cost nothing at all (other than the gas in your rental car).

The Big Island Visitors Bureau offers this recently updated, tempting list of 13 places with no admission charge (click here for the complete original text. I’ve shortened it and added a few links of my own — please share your favorite free places to explore on the island of Hawai’i in the comments. The official list:

Jeanne Cooper / Special to SFGate

The Kalapana Lava Viewing Area has relocated since this 2008 photo was taken — due to lava flowing across it.

1. Kalapana Lava Viewing Area, open from 2 to 10 p.m. (no cars after 8 p.m.) at the end of Highway 130 in the Puna District. Call (808) 961-8093 for current conditions or visit the USGS site for Kīlauea Volcano eruption updates.

5. Pu’ukoholā National Historic Site, off Highway 270 between Kawaihae and the Kohala Coast resorts. Built at the command of Kamehameha the Great, it’s the largest heiau in Hawai’i and where his conquest of the other islands began.

6. Kalōpā State Recreation Area, off Highway 19 at the end of Kalōpā Road, southeast of Honoka’a. Cabins, picnic tables, a nature walk and hiking trails beckon at the cooler elevation of 2,000 feet (see photo below list.)

7. Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, off Highway 270 near ‘Upolu Airport. It’s home to Mo’okini Heiau, the islands’ most famous ancient sacrificial heiau, and Kamehameha I’s birthplace (though his statue in Kapa’au to the north is more photo-worthy.)

8. Lapakahi State Historical Park, off Highway 270, 12.4 miles north of Kawaihae. Watch a cultural demonstration or take a self-guided tour through the remains of an ancient coastal settlement (see photo below list.)

9. Puakō Petroglyph Preserve, just north of the entrance to the Fairmont Orchid. A short hike leads to more than 3,000 petroglyphs (see photo below list.)

off Pāhoa-Pohoiki Road, 2.7 miles southeast of Pāhoa. The site is a forest of “lava trees,” formed by a lava flow that swept through the area and left behind lava molds of tree trunks. Update:The park is closed until December for repairs–see the Sept. 8 Hawai’i Insider post for more information and a photo.